Garmin upgraded at BofA/MerrillAs previously reported, BofA/Merrill upgraded Garmin to Buy from Neutral. The firm upgraded shares citing the pullback post Q4 results. The analyst believes weakness is overdone and expects Garmin to be able to protect its market share in the activity tracking products priced at $200 and below and to continue to leverage its vertically integrated business model to respond to changing market dynamics. Price target is $60.

Garmin board intends to recommend cash dividend of $2.04 per shareThe board of directors intends to recommend to the shareholders for approval at the annual meeting to be held on June 5 a cash dividend in the amount of $2.04 per share, payable in four equal installments on dates to be determined by the Board.

Garmin technical comments ahead of resultsAhead of earnings the shares are moving higher, trading above the midpoint of the 1-year range. If the news meets or exceeds bullish expectations, next resistance levels are at $58.13, $60.19, and the 52-week high at $62.05. If the news fails to meet expectations, the following support levels could become downside objectives: $54.66, $52.89, and $50.08. A breakdown below $50 would snap the longer-term uptrend.

Garmin November volatility elevated into Q3 and outlookGarmin March put option implied volatility is at 83, March is at 31, April is at 28; compared to its 26-week average of 27 according to Track Data, suggesting large price movement into the expected release of Q4 results on February 18.